West Street (Brighton) (South)

James Gray: Four photographs [jgc_02_208, 209 and 210 on the King’s Road (3) page and jgc_02_211] of 1960 which show the entire King’s Road frontage of the West Street redevelopment, and round into West Street itself. Poor though these houses were it could be argued that they were less offensive than the Top Rank building which succeeded them. jgc_02_211

James Gray: Photograph of 27 November 1966, of 77 West Street. Once described as a ‘commodious and commanding family mansion’, it was considered to be one of the best houses in West Street during the mid-19th century. It remained in private occupation until 1881. After two years as a restaurant, it was bought for offices by the Brighton and Hove General Gas Company. In 1929 the premises were extended through into Middle Street. Just before these photographs were taken South Eastern Gas Board gave up the building after 83 years occupation. jgc_07_007

James Gray: [See jgc_07_007 above.] jgc_07_008

2019:  An early extension to the right (south) is also clearly seen in both the original and in the updated image.  (Photographer: Chris Nichols)

James Gray: This must be one of the few existing photographs of Mrs Thrale’s house, 76 West Street. The house was purchased by Henry Thrale in October 1767, and often visited by Dr. Samuel Johnson, between 1767 and 1782. The hoarding advertises its impending removal, the house being demolished in 1866 and replaced by the Grand Concert Hall, now the Roller Skating Rink. One of the seven posts can still be seen to this day. The building to the left, now occupied by the Gas Board, was then the largest private house in the street. Additional Information:  Henry Thrale was a brewer and MP for Southwark in 1781. jgc_07_013

James Gray: These are photographs [and following] of the building that was erected on the site of Mr Thrale’s house (see previous page) after its removal in 1866. It was opened in 1867 with a series of Choral and Orchestra Concerts. In 1882 it was almost completely destroyed by fire following an explosion of gas, the damage being estimated at £30,000. For ten years it remained in ruins but in 1892 it again opened as a roller skating rink, being used later for concerts and early cinematography shows. Probably its heyday was when it was Sherry’s Dance Hall, for about 30 years from 1919.

James Gray: Enclosed within the bingo hoarding (see right) is the last remaining of the posts seen in the 1865 photograph [jgc_07_013]. See previous photographs. jgc_07_016

2019: The post mentioned by James Gray was moved early in the 21st century to the middle of the carriageway.  It can just be seen to the left of the front of the taxi and to the right of the smaller, straight arrow on the roadway. (Photographer: Chris Nichols)

James Gray: This photograph shows West Street from the corner of South Street in 1879. jgc_07_022

2019: West Street has changed almost beyond recognition since the 1879 image was taken. All the buildings on the west (left) side of the street have gone apart from St Paul’s Church (just about visible in the James Gray image).  They have been replaced by large buildings which currently include a nightclub, a large pub and a finance company. The three cones are examples of street art. They were designed by Raphael Daden and have been in the same location since 2001. (Photographer: Clare Hughes)

James Gray: The lower part of the east side of this street, photographed in December 1953. At this time, the double fronted bow windowed building was still occupied by the Gas Board, and the ornamental gas lamps stood by the steps. The adjoining tall building was used as a roller skating rink, while next door Wm. No1 Harris still dispensed the tasty ‘sausages, potato and onions’. jgc_07_030

James Gray: Twenty years later [than jgc_07_030], on 13 March 1974, the Sausage King has gone and even the teenage pop fans no longer pop in. The tall building has been reduced to one of just two storeys. jgc_07_031

2019: The Pop In Discotheque was a very short lived venue for young people. The building now houses an extension of the Walkabout which is a branch of the Australian restaurant and pub chain. (Photographer: Clare Hughes)

James Gray: These photographs [jgc_07_032, 033 and 034] show the extensive clearance of many old buildings prior to the erection of the Sports Stadium, in 1933. In addition to a number of old shop premises in West Street, no fewer than 29 small houses in Little Russell Street, Little Russell Court, Kent Street and West Street Cottages were swept away. In this view can be seen the demolition of West Street Brewery, established here about 1750. The building at the back is the Palladium cinema (see jgc_01_217 [on the King’s Road (3) page] and following). jgc_07_034

2019: The One Family Finance company now stands on the site of the demolished buildings.  (Photographer: Clare Hughes)

James Gray: The lower end of the street, dating from 1911. Additional Information: Pelican Hotel. jgc_07_042

2019: See 2019 caption to jgc_07_024 above. (Photographer: Clare Hughes)

James Gray: The view from the bottom of the street looking north. The only visible widening is between Cranbourne Street and the Clocktower, where Burton’s building had been erected in 1928. Note the King’s Head Hotel on the left. From an earlier Inn on the same site as this, King Charles II is said to have made his escape to France in 1651. The King’s Head was demolished in 1932 to make way for the Sports Stadium. jgc_07_058

2019: Another view looking north up West Street; this time taken from the corner of South Street. The only building that remains on the west side of the street is St Paul’s Church. (Photographer: Clare Hughes)